Francesca Beatriz Mclelland, the accomplished pageant competitor from Aklan, is making a strong comeback to the national pageantry stage as she vies for the 2025 Miss Grand International Philippines crown. Three years after representing the Philippines in Egypt and finishing as first runner-up in the 2022 Miss Eco Teen International pageant, Mclelland returns with enhanced self-assurance and maturity.

"I am definitely more confident now. I have grown and learned a lot since then," Mclelland shared following the preliminary rounds held on August 17 in Parañaque City. She emphasized her newfound independence in decision-making, stating, "I have ensured that every concept is truly my own because I am tired of being controlled by others. Now, I make all the decisions, supported by a very capable team."

To refine her stage presence, Mclelland enlisted the expertise of esteemed pageant walk coach Ian Mendajar, acknowledging the importance of "pasarela" in the Miss Grand International competition. For her preliminary evening gown, she collaborated with designer John Montinola, while her national costume—a striking "lato-lato" ensemble—was crafted by Stephen Alvarado.

Mclelland also revealed her long-standing ambition to compete in the Bolivia-based Reina Hispanoamericana pageant. "This has been my dream since my first pageant under ALV Pageant Circle, although I was too young to participate then," she explained, recalling her early start at 18 years old when she won Miss Eco Teen Philippines, propelling her to international competition in Egypt.

Currently a 21-year-old college student at De La Salle University, she has returned to the ALV Pageant Circle, her "home base," preparing to fulfill her goals and potentially bring home the Reina Hispanoamericana crown. "If they send me to Bolivia tomorrow, I’m ready," she asserted confidently.

The upcoming national pageant will not only award the Miss Grand International Philippines title but also crowns for Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas, Face of Beauty International Philippines, and Miss Asia Pacific International Philippines.

Current titleholders Dia Mate (Reina Hispanoamericana), Christine Juliane "CJ" Opiaza (Miss Grand International), and Jeanne Isabelle Bilasano (Face of Beauty International), all from the Philippines, are set to pass their crowns to the next generation of Filipina queens. Additionally, Dominican-American Janelis Leyba, reigning Miss Asia Pacific International, has arrived in Manila to join the awarding ceremonies for the Miss Asia Pacific International Philippines crown.

Mclelland hopes to continue the Philippines’ impressive streak in international pageantry with her renewed dedication and the strong backing of experienced mentors and designers.